15 richest nations in the world

15 richest nations in the world

Forbes recently published a list of the richest countries in the world. While compiling the list, Forbeslooked at GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power for 182 nations.

The PPP-adjusted GDP - preferred by economists when making international comparisons - takes into account the relative cost of living and inflation rates, rather than just exchange rates, which may distort real differences in worth.

Qatar

GDP (PPP) per capita: $88,222

Global ranking: 1

Qatar has the world's highest per capita GDP and proven reserves of both oil and natural gas. Qatar tops the list of world's richest countries.

In 2010, its economy grew by 19.40 per cent, the fastest in the world.

15 richest nations in the world

The economy depends heavily on the industry and service sectors. Singapore is a world leader in several areas: It is the world's fourth-leading financial centre, the world's second-biggest casino gambling market, and the world's third-largest oil refining centre.

15 richest nations in the world

On a per-capita basis, it is the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas outside the Middle East, and the petroleum industry accounts for around a quarter of the country's gross domestic product.

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Image: It is the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas outside the Middle East.Photographs: Courtesy, Wikipedia Commons

15 richest nations in the world

As one of the world's leading international financial centres, Hong Kong has a major capitalist service economy characterised by low taxation and free trade, and the currency, Hong Kong dollar, is the eighth most traded currency in the world.

15 richest nations in the world

Hong Kong has one of the highest per capita income in the world. The dense space also led to a highly developed transportation network with public transport travelling rate exceeding 90 per cent, the highest in the world.

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Image: Hong Kong has one of the highest per capita income in the world.Photographs: Courtesy, Wikipedia Commons

15 richest nations in the world

In 2010, Switzerland had the highest wealth per adult of any country in the world (with $372,692 for each person). Switzerland also has one of the world's largest account balances as a percentage of GDP.

15 richest nations in the world

With the second-highest human development index globally, Australia ranks highly in many international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, health, education, economic freedom and the protection of civil liberties and political rights.